BJP to reach out to Dalits, plans schemes in NDA-ruled states

As part of its attempt to reach
out to Dalits, BJP has decided to increase its focus on the
scheduled caste population in the party`s `antyodaya` programmes and start new welfare schemes for them
in NDA-ruled states.

New Delhi: As part of its attempt to reach
out to Dalits, BJP has decided to increase its focus on the
scheduled caste population in the party`s `antyodaya` and good
governance programmes and start new welfare schemes for them
in NDA-ruled states.

BJP President Nitin Gadkari and Leader of Opposition in
Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj held a meeting here yesterday with SC
Ministers from the nine NDA-ruled states to chalk out the
party`s strategy to canvas more support from the community.
"This meeting was in continuation of the agenda adopted
at National Convention on Good Governance held in June 2010 at
Mumbai," BJP spokesperson Ramnath Kovind said.

Gadkari has already stated that Dalits form one of the
target groups for the BJP in its bid to increase its votebank
by another 10 per cent to challenge the Congress.

"Gadkari called upon these Ministers to effectively and
expeditiously implement various welfare schemes for the
benefit of the downtrodden and needy sections of their
respective states. He urged them to ensure a corruption-free
administration in their respective ministries," Kovind said.

The BJP President emphasised on antyodaya and craft
policies to "serve the last man in the queue". He said the aim
should be to reach out to the most marginalised sections of
the society.
"He appealed them to execute development-oriented schemes
for the all-round development of the poor and oppressed by
ensuring absolute transparency and performance audit of all
welfare schemes," Kovind said.

The BJP President reiterated the need for eradication of
untouchability and bringing social harmony among various
sections of society.